Crackdown on rogue drivers

MORE than 1,300 motorists have been caught out for driving offences this year in Manchester city centre and Bury. The figures have been released following the last in this year's series of police operations designed to catch drink-drivers and those driving illegally without the proper documentation.

MORE than 1,300 motorists have been caught out for driving offences this year in Manchester city centre and Bury.

The figures have been released following the last in this year's series of police operations designed to catch drink-drivers and those driving illegally without the proper documentation.

In a recent evening of stop-checks using number plate recognition equipment, nine people were arrested, including five for drink-driving, two for immigration offences, one who was wanted on warrant and one disqualified driver.

Police and community support officers set up checks across Greater Manchester.

Pc Steve Forrester, who led the Manchester and Bury police operations, said that despite drink-driving now being seen as socially unacceptable, and that there are obvious safety reasons for wearing a seatbelt and keeping cars properly maintained, people continued to throw caution to the wind.

He said: "People tend to think they are not going to get caught. We don't do what we do to annoy people or make money.

"If we were run as a business we would be bankrupt. It is about safety."

Police work alongside bailiffs, who chase people for unpaid court debts.

Those found to have no insurance have their cars confiscated and held in a garage until they pay a £105 release fee and storage costs of £12 a day after the first seven days.

This does not cancel out the prosecution which could involve further costs for failing to have insurance.